Ski boots

How to choose your ski boots ?

Choosing a ski boot requires attention but the process is often neglected. However, when you think of it, it is the only link between your foot and your ski. It has a very important role through energy transmissions and protection against cold conditions. A ski boot is one of the essentials of your winter gear. Choosing the right ski boots adapted to your fit, profile and style is extremely important.

The four criteria that will help you pick the right boot :

1) The boot size

In order to get maximal comfort, you can add an extra size to your standard shoe size. When flexing, the foot must not touch the end of the liner but the liner has to provide a consistent hold without any pressure point. Manufacturers now offer different shell widths to suit both wide and thin-footed skiers. You will find this indication in the footwear volume in mm, also called fit with slightly wider than normal models with a footwear volume of 102-104 mm or even wider with a volume of 104-106 mm.

2) The shell

Shells come with different lasts and different flex rates (shell stiffness). The lower the flex is, the more forgiving and comfortable the boot is. The higher it is, the more responsive and stiff the boot is.

3) The liner

Liners can be made of traditional foam for added comfort or can be heatmoldable, meaning it molds around your foot by itself thanks to your body heat while skiing. You also need to check the foam density: a soft foam provides more comfort, a hard foam delivers more precision.

4) The bucklery

You can find different sorts of bucklery on ski boots, from two to five buckles made of plastic or aluminium. They can be standard, or with a micrometric adjustment (buckle can be screwed for a precise and custom setting) and/or with macrometric adjustment (the base of the buckle or ratchet can be moved along a range of adjustment).

The bonus features :

Some boots feature extra technologies allowing a flex adjustment, a switch between a ski mode and walk mode or even specific outsoles like Vibram ones. There are also heated ski boots that keep you warm in the storm.

Glisshop recommendations :

1) Choose within a range of boots adapted to your style: alpine ski boots, freeride ski boots or freetouring boots. The boot last or forefoot width is also extremely important for a good fit. See with our team members to find the last that best suits you.

2) Once you are in the boot and you closed it, stand up and slightly bend your knees. In this position, your toes must not touch the end of the liner and you msut not feel any pressure point. It is important to give room to your toes as it helps keeping the foot warm.

3) Ski socks are important too. Manufacturers make lineups adapted to everyone's specific needs with materials providing heat, moisture repellancy, odourless and and anti-microbial coating or added support in strategic areas. They also feature specific seams diminishing abrasion and enhancing comfort. A good sock has a real impact on your comfort and hygiene.

4) The hold provided when the boot is closed needs to be firm and consistent. The calf must be held. The cuff of the boot has to fit the size of your calf. Don't forget that when you lean backward or laterally you need very strong support but the flex can vary when you lean forward.

5) Finally, if you go for a heatmoldable liner try to get a high-end one with high density foams and high temperature molding. This avoids the liner to unshape while skiing.

Well, now you know everything, all that’s left to do is pick your favourite model amongst our brands. Salomon ski boots, Nordica ski boots, Roxa ski boots, Head ski boots, Atomic ski boots, Rossignol ski boots, Fischer ski boots, Fulltilt ski boots, Dalbello ski boots, Lange ski boots, Tecnica ski boots or K2 ski boots, and the others! Discover also our skis boots collections 2018, 2019 and 2020!